National Grief Awareness Week 2025
The goals of National Grief Awareness Week are to encourage a more open, supportive, and understanding approach to grief—helping both the bereaved and those around them navigate this challenging part of life with greater empathy.
Some of our Caru Groups took part in #NGAW2025 in their own way, highlighted below. Read on for more information.
The following was written by Aswathi Thomas, from St John’s Community Hospital:
Grief is a natural yet deeply personal response to loss, often misunderstood or overlooked. Recognising the need for greater awareness and support, St John’s Community Hospital hosted National Grief Awareness Week in January, as part of the Caru Programme.
Held in the hospital’s main reception area, the event aimed to provide essential information and resources to staff, residents, and families, ensuring that those experiencing grief could easily access the support they require.
A key element of the event was the distribution of grief awareness leaflets and informational materials at the hospital’s reception. These resources were designed to help individuals understand grief, recognise its emotional and physical effects, and explore available coping strategies and the supports available.
Often, grief remains unrealised or unacknowledged, leaving individuals struggling to process their emotions without fully understanding their experience. By providing clear and accessible information, the event sought to normalise discussions about grief and offer comfort to those in need.
Grief affects individuals in diverse ways, impacting their emotional, physical, and social well-being. Without proper awareness and support, people may experience prolonged distress, social isolation, or mental health difficulties.
Initiatives like this play a crucial role in creating an inclusive and compassionate environment, ensuring that those dealing with grief feel seen, heard, and supported.
The impact of the event was evident, particularly when a family who had recently lost a loved one approached Caru members to express their gratitude. They highlighted how valuable it was to have grief-related information readily available, reinforcing the importance of making support resources accessible to all. Their response underscored the ongoing need for grief awareness initiatives, demonstrating how education and open conversations can provide solace during difficult times.
Looking ahead, St John’s Community Hospital remains dedicated to expanding grief awareness efforts. By promoting education, discussion, and access to resources, the hospital aims to cultivate a supportive space where staff, residents, and families can navigate the challenges of grief with knowledge, empathy, and care.
A number of CHO9 nursing homes with Caru Groups also took part in National Grief Awareness Week in January, emphasising it’s importance.
In Beneavin House they set up a stand in reception (their receptionist is a trained a Caru Lead), staff attended the Grief in the Workplace, Lunch & Learn event all together, and then on the Thursday the Caru Group invited residents and their families to attend a screening of the Living with Loss webinar, hosted by Irish Hospice Foundation.
“It turned out well and we got a lot of interest from residents and visitors. At first they were curious and none of the visitors knew about the support provided by Irish Hospice Foundation. A couple took some leaflets and had a little chat, making them aware that our staff are taking your course to equip them for helping residents and their families through grief.”
“The grief awareness workshop that took place in the evening for residents and families of residents who passed away recently - the families really enjoyed it and found it very informative and following the event emailed requesting the supports that were emailed out after the webinar. Residents had mixed feelings, a lot positive expressing they really appreciated it as they felt grief and loss is something that was not discussed with their generation."
“We posted out the postcards to families whose loved-ones passed away. It was really good for staff and other residents. People took leaflets which was great. We’ve had a number of deaths over the past few months, so it’s good to create awareness.”
“We set up an information area in our reception to raise grief awareness and the supports and services available for those who feel they would benefit from additional support. Today our Caru Team sent postcards to let those who are grieving know that we’re thinking of them.”